6 most interesting museums in Antwerp
Are you going to Antwerp and do you want to know which museum is a must-see? Each museum in this overview comes highly recommended.
1. The Chocolate Museum Antwerp
Without a doubt, the most tasty museum in Antwerp is the Chocolate Museum. Located on the Koningin Astridplein, it is also one of the most central museums in the city. The official name of the museum is Chocolate Nation. This is a nod to the fact that Belgium is considered the global country of chocolate.
In the Chocolate Museum, you will learn about the production process of chocolate in an interactive way and, at the end, you will get the chance to taste several varieties. A must-visit for chocolate lovers.
Address: Koningin Astridplein 7
2. Rubens Museum Antwerp - Rubens House
Artist Peter Paul Rubens lived in a large city palace in the centre of Antwerp. The Rubens Museum Antwerp, or the Rubens House, is located in this residence.
The grand master also had his studio at home, which makes a visit to this museum extra special. The Rubens House also houses works by other great Flemish painters.
Address: Wapper 9-11
3. Antwerp Museum of Contemporary Art
This museum is also known by many as the Antwerp Museum of Contemporary Art, or the M HKA. You can visit the basic collection free of charge. The collection consists of contemporary visual arts, film and visual culture. The museum is housed in an old grain silo and you should should go simply for the special architecture. The museum is located in 'Het Zuid', a dynamic and artistic neighbourhood with many lively bars and restaurants.
Address: Leuvenstraat 32
Rubens House - ©Dave Van Laere
4. DIVA Diamond Museum Antwerp
Antwerp has a history in which diamonds play a central role. Since the 16th century, you can find diamond merchants and goldsmiths in the city centre. It is the most important diamond city in the world.
The DIVA Diamond Museum Antwerp is an interactive museum, fun for young and old. You will go on a world tour through six different rooms. You will learn where diamonds come from, how a diamond is produced and how Antwerp has played an important role in the diamond trade for 550 years. Of course, there are also many diamonds to admire.
Address: Suikerrui 17/19
5. MAS Antwerp
MAS Antwerp, aka Museum aan de Stroom, is a fairly new museum in Antwerp. It opened its doors in 2011 and has since become one of the most popular museums in the city. This is not surprising because not only the collection, but also the building itself, is very special. The collection consists of more than half a million objects related to art, cultural traditions and history of Antwerp. During your visit, do not forget to go up to the roof for a fantastic view of Antwerp!
Address: Hanzestedenplaats 1
MAS - ©Sarah Blee
6. Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is a world-class museum. It houses famous works by old masters such as Rubens, Modigliani and Chagall. In addition, the museum has the largest collection of works by the Flemish modernist James Ensor. The museum reopened in September 2022 after a long renovation.
Address: Leopold de Waelplaats 2
Visit the best museums in Antwerp by train
Antwerp is very accessible by train. From Amsterdam, Schiphol, Rotterdam and Breda you can travel directly to Antwerp. Take the Eurostar or Intercity Brussels and you will be there in no time. A day trip to Antwerp to visit a museum is also a great option!
Book your train tickets to Antwerp
Overview of Antwerp museums
Antwerp is bursting with beautiful museums. A visit to the city is therefore not complete without having visited at least one museum. Want to know more? Here is a list of other museums in Antwerp:
Snijder & Rockox House
Middelheim Museum
Museum Butcher's Hall
Cathedral of Our Lady
Header photo at the top of this page: MoMu Fashion Museum ©Antwerpen Toerisme & Congres
Museums in Antwerp
Zoo Antwerp
Antwerp Zoo allows you to discover almost 5,000 animals from all continents in a romantic and majestic zoo.
Antwerp with children
Make the most of your visit to this child-friendly city with interesting museums, a wonderful zoo and great children's theatres.
Tips Antwerp
This city is full of culture and hospitality: fashion, museums and excellent food and drink.
Cycling in Antwerp
The big sights are not all in the centre and this way you can see a lot in a short time. Hire a bicycle or bring your own on the train.
Shopping in Antwerp
Antwerp has a lot of attractive and authentic shops. You can also find well-known brands in the Fashion District.
Weekend getaway Antwerp
Would you rather not travel very far for a great weekend getaway? Then Antwerp is for you. In the largest city in Flanders there is a broad range of things to do.
Train and hotel Antwerp
Antwerp is perfect for shopping, visiting museums and eating delicious cuisine. It's also easy and quick to reach by train! Book train and hotel now.
Walking tours Antwerp
Zigzag through streets like Hopland and Schuttershofstraat, the trendy Kammenstraat and stately squares.
Restaurants in Antwerp
Antwerp is bursting with delicious restaurants and there are so many places to choose from.
Hotels in Antwerp
Budget accommodation and unique places. We have the best tips for an overnight stay in Antwerp.